CS Reviews CITaG Initiatives Calls For SPV And Portal For PPP Projects

Srinagar : Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo Wednesday chaired a review meeting to assess the progress and future roadmap of the Centre for Innovation and Transformation in Governance (CITaG), focusing on policy formulation, knowledge outputs, PPP projects, and socio-economic development across J&K.
The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary Culture, Commissioner Secretary Planning, Chairman Bureau of Public Enterprises, Commissioner Secretary Science & Technology, Secretary Transport, MDs of PDC, JKTDC, and J&K Housing Board, Directors of Skill Development and Employment, CEO CITaG, and representatives of other departments.
Addressing the meeting Chief Secretary underscored the importance of establishing a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to manage Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects from their inception to execution. He has called for the creation of a digital portal to facilitate real-time monitoring, enabling early identification of bottlenecks and ensuring timely project completion. Departments such as Housing and Urban Development, Tourism, Science and Technology, and Power have been urged to conduct regular reviews of their initiatives to achieve measurable outcomes. The Chief Secretary also highlighted the potential of Jammu and Kashmir’s water resources, advocating for the optimization of small hydropower projects as part of the Union Territory’s energy strategy. Additionally, he recommended that the Centre for Innovation in Technology and Governance (CITaG) investigate an innovative educational framework tailored to address individual student learning gaps, drawing on global best practices. Dr. Sandeep, CEO of CITaG, reported significant progress, with the organization tracking 100 knowledge-output projects, surpassing the original Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) target of 28 deliverables by August 2026. The MoU with the Planning, Development & Monitoring Department and IIM Jammu has been extended for an additional two years. Completed deliverables include key policies such as the Road Safety Plan 2026, Electric Vehicle Policy 2026, and Circular Economy Policy 2026, among others. Furthermore, 20 strategic frameworks are currently under review, including policies related to Foreign Direct Investment and agricultural startups. Seven additional deliverables are slated for submission by August 2026, while 16 initiatives are actively being developed, including a roadmap aimed at doubling the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP). A total of 36 future deliverables are planned through 2027, focusing on the integration of artificial intelligence in governance and promoting self-sustainability in Panchayati Raj institutions. CITaG is actively supporting 76 PPP projects across various sectors, including tourism, infrastructure, and renewable energy. Notable ongoing projects encompass the Jammu Haat operation and maintenance, a solar park at IUST Awantipora, and mass housing developments in Chowadhi and Birpur. Future projects in development include Skill Development Centres and Aroma Valley clusters. Major upcoming events include the J&K GCC Summit scheduled for October 9–10, 2026, the ‘Urja Sambhav’ Energy Summit in December 2026, and a Real Estate Conclave in collaboration with the Housing and Urban Development Department. The Chief Secretary has directed all departments to work closely with CITaG to ensure the swift transition of proposals into implementation, emphasizing the need for clear accountability throughout the process.